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Little Lord Fauntleroy
Join Little Lord Fauntleroy for the greatest surprise of his life
Seven-year-old Cedric gets quite a shock when he is whisked away from the streets of New York to an English stately home. He gets an even bigger shock when he discovers he'll inherit a great fortune and a title. And Cedric is daunted to meet the grandfather he has never seen before, who is mean and selfish. But Cedric--now known as Little Lord Fauntleroy--is a very unusual boy, who takes it all in his stride...
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1885
About the author
Frances Hodgson Burnett
1,566 books5,037 followersFrances Eliza Hodgson Burnett was a British-American novelist and playwright. She is best known for the three children's novels Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), A Little Princess (1905), and The Secret Garden (1911).
Frances Eliza Hodgson was born in Cheetham, Manchester, England. After her father died in 1853, when Frances was 4 years old, the family fell on straitened circumstances and in 1865 emigrated to the United States, settling in New Market, Tennessee. Frances began her writing career there at age 19 to help earn money for the family, publishing stories in magazines. In 1870, her mother died. In Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1873 she married Swan M. Burnett, who became a medical doctor. Their first son Lionel was born a year later. The Burnetts lived for two years in Paris, where their second son Vivian was born, before returning to the United States to live in Washington, D.C. Burnett then began to write novels, the first of which (That Lass o' Lowrie's), was published to good reviews. Little Lord Fauntleroy was published in 1886 and made her a popular writer of children's fiction, although her romantic adult novels written in the 1890s were also popular. She wrote and helped to produce stage versions of Little Lord Fauntleroy and A Little Princess.
Beginning in the 1880s, Burnett began to travel to England frequently and in the 1890s bought a home there, where she wrote The Secret Garden. Her elder son, Lionel, died of tuberculosis in 1890, which caused a relapse of the depression she had struggled with for much of her life. She divorced Swan Burnett in 1898, married Stephen Townesend in 1900, and divorced him in 1902. A few years later she settled in Nassau County, New York, where she died in 1924 and is buried in Roslyn Cemetery.
In 1936, a memorial sculpture by Bessie Potter Vonnoh was erected in her honor in Central Park's Conservatory Garden. The statue depicts her two famous Secret Garden characters, Mary and Dickon.
Frances Eliza Hodgson was born in Cheetham, Manchester, England. After her father died in 1853, when Frances was 4 years old, the family fell on straitened circumstances and in 1865 emigrated to the United States, settling in New Market, Tennessee. Frances began her writing career there at age 19 to help earn money for the family, publishing stories in magazines. In 1870, her mother died. In Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1873 she married Swan M. Burnett, who became a medical doctor. Their first son Lionel was born a year later. The Burnetts lived for two years in Paris, where their second son Vivian was born, before returning to the United States to live in Washington, D.C. Burnett then began to write novels, the first of which (That Lass o' Lowrie's), was published to good reviews. Little Lord Fauntleroy was published in 1886 and made her a popular writer of children's fiction, although her romantic adult novels written in the 1890s were also popular. She wrote and helped to produce stage versions of Little Lord Fauntleroy and A Little Princess.
Beginning in the 1880s, Burnett began to travel to England frequently and in the 1890s bought a home there, where she wrote The Secret Garden. Her elder son, Lionel, died of tuberculosis in 1890, which caused a relapse of the depression she had struggled with for much of her life. She divorced Swan Burnett in 1898, married Stephen Townesend in 1900, and divorced him in 1902. A few years later she settled in Nassau County, New York, where she died in 1924 and is buried in Roslyn Cemetery.
In 1936, a memorial sculpture by Bessie Potter Vonnoh was erected in her honor in Central Park's Conservatory Garden. The statue depicts her two famous Secret Garden characters, Mary and Dickon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,730 reviews
January 16, 2014
This is a really silly book that caused a generation of little boys to have to suffer through long hair and white lace collars. Cedric, aka Little Lord Fauntleroy, is a goody good good little boy. His mother is perfect too.
I bet thousands of little boys in the 1880's wanted this book to disappear.
I bet thousands of little boys in the 1880's wanted this book to disappear.
May 25, 2015
The fact that Frances Hodgson Burnett's "Little Lord Fauntleroy" was such a sensation in the 1880s says as much about the contrast between the late Victorian Era and today as any anthropological study could.
The story centers around Cedric Errol, a kind, optimistic young boy who lives with his mother in modest circumstances in New York City, and is friends with just about everyone he meets. One day, he learns that he is actually Lord Fauntleroy, the heir apparent to become Earl of Dorincourt, and he then moves to England to live with his hardened, misanthropic grandfather, who has already made up his mind to dislike the child before he even meets him. Moreover, he hates the boy's mother, whom he blames for alienating his now-deceased son's affection, and whom he refuses ever to meet when she comes to England with her son. Cedric's mother, however, is as good and kind as her son, and wishes him to think the best of his grandfather, knowing that he could not comprehend malice in anyone, so she conceals his grandfather's true feelings from him.
Cedric, now Lord Fauntleroy, begins to make changes at Dorincourt and for the impoverished tenants who live in the slums of the surrounding village owned by the Earl that improve everyone's lives and earn Fauntleroy great admiration from everyone he meets; however, he attributes every positive change to his grandfather's benevolence, and believes that everyone's admiration is a reflection of how generous an Earl his grandfather is, not knowing that the Earl is, in fact, universally detested by his people as a tyrant.
Over time, Cedric's optimism, kindness, and refusal to believe in the slightest aspersion on his grandfather's character actually begins to change his grandfather, the Earl, into the man whom his grandson believes him to be. In Burnett's typical fashion, there is a plot twist which complicates matters, before reaffirming that, indeed, goodness and charity will always overcome deceit, greed, and evil, and that, moreover, being around positivity can actually change one's entire nature from wicked to good.
Although often overlooked by contemporary scholars in favor of Burnett's admittedly more complex "The Secret Garden," "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is nevertheless still worthy of reading and study. In fact, the Earl's transformation in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is in some ways similar to Mary Lennox's or Colin Craven's transformation in "The Secret Garden," only in that book it was the positive energy embodied in the secret garden, and in the character of Dickon, which served as the impetus for Mary's and Colin's personality transformations, and which were able to unlock the goodness and purity of spirit which had always been latent within them.
"Little Lord Fauntleroy" is very similar to another later best-selling book, Eleanor H. Porter's "Pollyanna," and its themes and message are in many ways quite similar, so much so that Cedric Errol and Pollyanna Whittier can be seen as essentially the male and female counterpoints of each other. That book, too, while a sensation in its day, is more often than not the source of derision rather than study today, with the term "Pollyanna" becoming synonymous with delusional, if not insufferable, positivity and belief in goodness in the face of despair and misfortune. Perhaps that is a more realistic, if cynical, view of both "Pollyanna" and "Little Lord Fauntleroy," but I happen to have enjoyed both of them thoroughly. And if you've read and enjoyed one, you're likely to enjoy the other.
"Little Lord Fauntleroy" may be a relic of a genteel era so far removed from our modern culture that it may be laughable to some, but for others, myself included, it's a pleasant reminder that there exists in the world, without any trace of irony, some texts which reaffirm a belief in the fundamental decency of people and the transformative power of goodness, charity, and optimism.
The story centers around Cedric Errol, a kind, optimistic young boy who lives with his mother in modest circumstances in New York City, and is friends with just about everyone he meets. One day, he learns that he is actually Lord Fauntleroy, the heir apparent to become Earl of Dorincourt, and he then moves to England to live with his hardened, misanthropic grandfather, who has already made up his mind to dislike the child before he even meets him. Moreover, he hates the boy's mother, whom he blames for alienating his now-deceased son's affection, and whom he refuses ever to meet when she comes to England with her son. Cedric's mother, however, is as good and kind as her son, and wishes him to think the best of his grandfather, knowing that he could not comprehend malice in anyone, so she conceals his grandfather's true feelings from him.
Cedric, now Lord Fauntleroy, begins to make changes at Dorincourt and for the impoverished tenants who live in the slums of the surrounding village owned by the Earl that improve everyone's lives and earn Fauntleroy great admiration from everyone he meets; however, he attributes every positive change to his grandfather's benevolence, and believes that everyone's admiration is a reflection of how generous an Earl his grandfather is, not knowing that the Earl is, in fact, universally detested by his people as a tyrant.
Over time, Cedric's optimism, kindness, and refusal to believe in the slightest aspersion on his grandfather's character actually begins to change his grandfather, the Earl, into the man whom his grandson believes him to be. In Burnett's typical fashion, there is a plot twist which complicates matters, before reaffirming that, indeed, goodness and charity will always overcome deceit, greed, and evil, and that, moreover, being around positivity can actually change one's entire nature from wicked to good.
Although often overlooked by contemporary scholars in favor of Burnett's admittedly more complex "The Secret Garden," "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is nevertheless still worthy of reading and study. In fact, the Earl's transformation in "Little Lord Fauntleroy" is in some ways similar to Mary Lennox's or Colin Craven's transformation in "The Secret Garden," only in that book it was the positive energy embodied in the secret garden, and in the character of Dickon, which served as the impetus for Mary's and Colin's personality transformations, and which were able to unlock the goodness and purity of spirit which had always been latent within them.
"Little Lord Fauntleroy" is very similar to another later best-selling book, Eleanor H. Porter's "Pollyanna," and its themes and message are in many ways quite similar, so much so that Cedric Errol and Pollyanna Whittier can be seen as essentially the male and female counterpoints of each other. That book, too, while a sensation in its day, is more often than not the source of derision rather than study today, with the term "Pollyanna" becoming synonymous with delusional, if not insufferable, positivity and belief in goodness in the face of despair and misfortune. Perhaps that is a more realistic, if cynical, view of both "Pollyanna" and "Little Lord Fauntleroy," but I happen to have enjoyed both of them thoroughly. And if you've read and enjoyed one, you're likely to enjoy the other.
"Little Lord Fauntleroy" may be a relic of a genteel era so far removed from our modern culture that it may be laughable to some, but for others, myself included, it's a pleasant reminder that there exists in the world, without any trace of irony, some texts which reaffirm a belief in the fundamental decency of people and the transformative power of goodness, charity, and optimism.
October 27, 2025
One of my favorite children's heartwarming books about kindness, love, selflessness, and nobility.
Every time I read this, I feel happy and hopeful.
This book is not as well known as Burnett's two other books - The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Maybe because there are fewer boys who love to be told stories compared to girls, and this one is more for little boys, as the other two would mainly please girls. In any case, this is my favorite from those three.
Beverly Cleary found the inspiration for Henry Huggins Complete Collection when a young boy asked her where he could find books about "kids like us". I know this book wouldn't seem at the first glance for a boy who wants to read a book about "kids like us", but its universal impact on kids would be priceless.
Highly recommended, even for more mature audience if you compare this with 2 other books.
Every time I read this, I feel happy and hopeful.
This book is not as well known as Burnett's two other books - The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. Maybe because there are fewer boys who love to be told stories compared to girls, and this one is more for little boys, as the other two would mainly please girls. In any case, this is my favorite from those three.
Beverly Cleary found the inspiration for Henry Huggins Complete Collection when a young boy asked her where he could find books about "kids like us". I know this book wouldn't seem at the first glance for a boy who wants to read a book about "kids like us", but its universal impact on kids would be priceless.
Highly recommended, even for more mature audience if you compare this with 2 other books.
April 28, 2025
Calling a child (and of course, this is most usually and generally a young boy) a Little Lord Fauntleroy often tends to be more than a bit derogatory and it can even insinuate that one thinks, that one believes the youngster in question to be supposedly rather spoiled, precocious and given to sometimes annoyingly prim and proper, rather arrogant airs and graces. But actually and truly, this is an unfortunate labelling which is in fact and indeed pretty well a majorly and strangely ironic misnomer, as little Cedric Eroll, the main protagonist of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1886 novel Little Lord Fauntleroy is for all intents and purposes anything BUT spoiled (for far from being the latter, far from from acting and behaving in an arrogantly entitled fashion, young Cedric actually shows a wonderful and much enviable combination of British nobility and American spirit, a sense of justice, an appreciation and support of opportunity for all). And with her novel, with Little Lord Fauntleroy, Frances Hodgson Burnett (who was born in England and then immigrated to the United States of America with her family as a child) draws heavily and most appreciatively on her own personal experiences in both England and the USA, examining in a gentle but nevertheless critical manner the prejudices of both the Americans and the English (not only towards each other, but actually also in a more general and global manner of depiction and description), analysing concepts of class, social structure, nobility, presenting the importances of family, filial love and affection (and how young and American born Cedric, with his exuberance, his gentle determinedness, his willingness to love and be loved, is able to win over his aristocratic English grandfather and his rigid, stodgy and often even nastily uncompromising ideals of class and social structure, always remaining staunchly American to a point, but also easily and joyfully adopting the best and most worthwhile tenets of Britishness, of aristocratic tradition, emerging as a wonderful and in all things grand and good combination of both).
Now while at first, young Cedric with his lovable and emotionally overflowing demeanour, his affectionate means and ways (inherited mostly from his beloved American mother, a woman utterly and vehemently despised by the grandfather, by the Earl of Dorincourt, simply for being an American and a co-called commoner) does have a strained and a trifle strange relationship with his grandfather (who had never been in any way close to his own three sons and thus does not really know what to make of Cedric, and how to act in his presence, how to approach him), slowly and sweetly, the two manage to forge a mutual understanding and appreciation of one another, with the Earl of Dorincourt increasingly allowing himself to love Cedric, to show and react with affection and tenderness, and Cedric also begins to understand his own, his British aristocratic background a bit more, becoming a bit more subdued and thoughtful, but still never losing sight of who he is, of his American inheritance and culture (with Frances Hodgson Burnett presenting in Cedric her wished for ideals of what the British aristocracy should be and should strive for, namely compassionate, understanding and responsible privilege, a caring and yes even a loving attitude towards all, but especially towards tenants, domestic help, those working underneath and for the earls, the barons, the landed gentry, a trifle paternalistic perhaps at times, but still an attitude to be feted and an attitude much more acceptable and in all ways superior to the attitude that Cedric's grandfather, that the Earl of Dorincourt had shown in the beginning, in the opening chapters of Little Lord Fauntleroy.
And now finally, while if I were to read Little Lord Fauntleroy simply as a story by itself and in and of itself, I would most probably be ranking the novel with a low to medium four stars, compared to my two favourite Frances Hodgson Burnett classics, compared to both The Secret Garden and A Little Princess, Little Lord Fauntleroy while definitely a lovely and engaging tale, a sweet enough and readable story, is still not quite as yet equally magical and spectacular, and thus, a highly rated (and perhaps even a bit guiltily so) three stars is the maximum ranking I am able and willing to choose, and do indeed stand by having chosen (for sometimes, Cedric really is just a wee bit too good to be true, a bit too perfect, an adorable little boy, no doubt, but also someone of an at times rather too obvious perfection, as even Sara Crewe in A Little Princess has her episodes of despair and silently endured angry frustration, not to mention how increasingly nuanced with both negativity and positiveness, the majority of the main characters of The Secret Garden are generally presented by Frances Hodgson Burnett as both acting and being).
Now while at first, young Cedric with his lovable and emotionally overflowing demeanour, his affectionate means and ways (inherited mostly from his beloved American mother, a woman utterly and vehemently despised by the grandfather, by the Earl of Dorincourt, simply for being an American and a co-called commoner) does have a strained and a trifle strange relationship with his grandfather (who had never been in any way close to his own three sons and thus does not really know what to make of Cedric, and how to act in his presence, how to approach him), slowly and sweetly, the two manage to forge a mutual understanding and appreciation of one another, with the Earl of Dorincourt increasingly allowing himself to love Cedric, to show and react with affection and tenderness, and Cedric also begins to understand his own, his British aristocratic background a bit more, becoming a bit more subdued and thoughtful, but still never losing sight of who he is, of his American inheritance and culture (with Frances Hodgson Burnett presenting in Cedric her wished for ideals of what the British aristocracy should be and should strive for, namely compassionate, understanding and responsible privilege, a caring and yes even a loving attitude towards all, but especially towards tenants, domestic help, those working underneath and for the earls, the barons, the landed gentry, a trifle paternalistic perhaps at times, but still an attitude to be feted and an attitude much more acceptable and in all ways superior to the attitude that Cedric's grandfather, that the Earl of Dorincourt had shown in the beginning, in the opening chapters of Little Lord Fauntleroy.
And now finally, while if I were to read Little Lord Fauntleroy simply as a story by itself and in and of itself, I would most probably be ranking the novel with a low to medium four stars, compared to my two favourite Frances Hodgson Burnett classics, compared to both The Secret Garden and A Little Princess, Little Lord Fauntleroy while definitely a lovely and engaging tale, a sweet enough and readable story, is still not quite as yet equally magical and spectacular, and thus, a highly rated (and perhaps even a bit guiltily so) three stars is the maximum ranking I am able and willing to choose, and do indeed stand by having chosen (for sometimes, Cedric really is just a wee bit too good to be true, a bit too perfect, an adorable little boy, no doubt, but also someone of an at times rather too obvious perfection, as even Sara Crewe in A Little Princess has her episodes of despair and silently endured angry frustration, not to mention how increasingly nuanced with both negativity and positiveness, the majority of the main characters of The Secret Garden are generally presented by Frances Hodgson Burnett as both acting and being).
June 12, 2019
It's funny that I used to read this book about once a month in my childhood. It was a book I went back to time after time. I reread it and I have to laugh at myself bc I don't remember ANY of the story! Weird how the brain works [or memory.]
Although I liked it and enjoyed it for being quick and cute and having a sentimental Cinderella theme I seem to find it corny at my old age of 33. Little Lord Fauntleroy was so sweet and kind i wanted to punch his cute, gentle face to make sure he wasn't a robot. My kids are good, kind hearted kids but they are just that-- Kids! They have a mean, wild streak. Cedric was just loved and loving every single page. His mom was equally amazing and kind. Maybe I'm just jealous? Lol...
No amazing plot but amusing once you get to it. I wish all rich and powerful people thought like the young Earl though. What a beautiful, peaceful step forward life could be.
I'll see what my son thinks about it after he reads it.
Although I liked it and enjoyed it for being quick and cute and having a sentimental Cinderella theme I seem to find it corny at my old age of 33. Little Lord Fauntleroy was so sweet and kind i wanted to punch his cute, gentle face to make sure he wasn't a robot. My kids are good, kind hearted kids but they are just that-- Kids! They have a mean, wild streak. Cedric was just loved and loving every single page. His mom was equally amazing and kind. Maybe I'm just jealous? Lol...
No amazing plot but amusing once you get to it. I wish all rich and powerful people thought like the young Earl though. What a beautiful, peaceful step forward life could be.
I'll see what my son thinks about it after he reads it.
February 28, 2023
Little Lord Fauntleroy is what one might characterize as a modern fairy tale written by Frances Hodgson Burnett published in the late 1800s, so not quite so modern. I listened to this story on YouTube although I have read it in the distant past. Little Lord Fauntleroy is the story of a seven-year-old boy born in New York City with his mother. The boy's father died, but he was the youngest son of an English Earl who was angry that his son would marry an American woman far below his station as an English Lord. The precocious little boy is well-trained and respectful at all times with an innate curiosity to the motivations and whys things happen. He is exceedingly devoted to his mother because he saw how his father was devoted to his mother calling her "Dearest." When Cedric is informed that he is actually the Earl's only living heir, he goes to England to meet his crusty grandfather, who willingly attempts to earn his grandson's affection by spoiling the kid rotten. That's essentially the story, but the narrative deviates with the possibility of another heir. This is another magical whimsical tale written by Burnett that IMHO has become a classic in all the ways I define classic: Longevity, Paradigm-altering, and Exceptionalism. This is #12 from my Over 5 yrs TBR. Highly recommended as an escapist little story. I listened to the story as I was ironing and the time flew by.
July 21, 2013
This is pretty terrible. But hey, it does have this passage:
Here lyeth ye bodye of Gregorye Arthure Fyrst Earle of Dorincourt allsoe of Alisone Hildegarde hys wyfe.
'May I whisper?' inquired his lordship, devoured by curiosity.
'What is it?' said his grandfather.
'Who are they?'
'Some of your ancestors,' answered the Earl, 'who lived a few hundred years ago.'
'Perhaps,' said Lord Fauntleroy, regarding them with respect, 'perhaps I got my spelling from them.'
February 11, 2024
My third book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Her writing captures you on page one. Delightful story about a young boy named Cedric and all the lives he touches. Definitely a book that everyone should read! Five big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s!
May 25, 2020
ركزت الرواية على قوة الحب بين الطفل وأهله، وكيف يُفتن الكبار بالأطفال ويخضعون لهم بكل سهولة.
وكعادة بثينة الإبراهيم، ترجمة رائعة ولغة مليئة بالدفء والعفوية جعلتني أحب سدريك كأنني أعرفه وأشاهده حين يجلس مع أمه واضعًا وجنته على وجنتها، أو حين ينام ساكنًا على الأريكة تشع من وجهه حمرة الأطفال الفاتنة.
أحببت جدًا علاقة سدريك بأمه "الغالية"، من اللطيف جدًا أن يناديك طفل بوصف مُحَبَّب.
على قدر حبي لسدريك ودماثته، والحب الذي ربط الإيرل اليائس به، أشفق على كل فتى نبيل لم ينل فرصة إظهار نبله، وأشفق على كل إيرل لم يحظ بشخص يعطيه ورقة بيضاء ليبدأ من جديد.
لم أكن أتوقع الكثير من الأحداث وكانت الحبكة متواضعة في النهاية لكن جميلة بجمال كل روايات الأطفال.
رواية حلوة وخفيفة
وكعادة بثينة الإبراهيم، ترجمة رائعة ولغة مليئة بالدفء والعفوية جعلتني أحب سدريك كأنني أعرفه وأشاهده حين يجلس مع أمه واضعًا وجنته على وجنتها، أو حين ينام ساكنًا على الأريكة تشع من وجهه حمرة الأطفال الفاتنة.
أحببت جدًا علاقة سدريك بأمه "الغالية"، من اللطيف جدًا أن يناديك طفل بوصف مُحَبَّب.
على قدر حبي لسدريك ودماثته، والحب الذي ربط الإيرل اليائس به، أشفق على كل فتى نبيل لم ينل فرصة إظهار نبله، وأشفق على كل إيرل لم يحظ بشخص يعطيه ورقة بيضاء ليبدأ من جديد.
لم أكن أتوقع الكثير من الأحداث وكانت الحبكة متواضعة في النهاية لكن جميلة بجمال كل روايات الأطفال.
رواية حلوة وخفيفة
November 25, 2018
Another gem from one of my all time favorite authors. There’s just something about Burnett’s books... an emanating benevolence that wraps you up like a homemade quilt and makes it impossible not to smile and feel full of renewed hope for humanity. I absolutely love this book.
November 26, 2017
This long standing children's classic story is another from "Mrs Burnett" that has totally stood the test of time. While the rags to riches story is almost a cliche today, in this story it is well enough done to be fresh and interesting, even to the most jaded 21st century palate. It is almost the prototype, so, while there are no unexpected twists in the story and no one truly can doubt the ending, the journey there is as comfortable, pleasant and enjoyable as sinking into a well loved comfy sofa.
Most people who like books written historically and who enjoy children's novels should enjoy this one, I think however there may be a few things one has to accept and Little lord Fauntleroy himself, I suspect, is likely to be the sticking point for some modern readers. Cedric Errol is an unbelievably sweet, good and loving seven year old without any vice in a way that I think is unbelievable in the extreme. This level of romanticised childhood is very historically correct for the Victorian era in which it was written and even more so for the Edwardian era which followed.
This is the only one of the authors three best known children's books in which part of the story is set in America and which mentions the tensions between the two nations. The American portion was well written, as you would expect from the Author, who herself lived in America.
As a historical read it is light but fascinating. The brief mentions of the sailing ship which brought Cedric and his mother to England, the estate his grandfather owned and the power he has over his lands and tenants is interesting to people who like that sort of thing.As I do, I always enjoy re-reading this one.
Most people who like books written historically and who enjoy children's novels should enjoy this one, I think however there may be a few things one has to accept and Little lord Fauntleroy himself, I suspect, is likely to be the sticking point for some modern readers. Cedric Errol is an unbelievably sweet, good and loving seven year old without any vice in a way that I think is unbelievable in the extreme. This level of romanticised childhood is very historically correct for the Victorian era in which it was written and even more so for the Edwardian era which followed.
This is the only one of the authors three best known children's books in which part of the story is set in America and which mentions the tensions between the two nations. The American portion was well written, as you would expect from the Author, who herself lived in America.
As a historical read it is light but fascinating. The brief mentions of the sailing ship which brought Cedric and his mother to England, the estate his grandfather owned and the power he has over his lands and tenants is interesting to people who like that sort of thing.As I do, I always enjoy re-reading this one.
July 7, 2010
This is most certainly a Burnett book, with its theme of pure, innocent goodness overcoming greed and maliciousness (not to mention the theme of beauty being associated with goodness). For the first couple of chapters, I really thought that I wasn't going to like this one. I still don't think it holds a candle to "The Secret Garden," or even "A Little Princess," but it did grow on me a bit. I have a couple of complaints:
1. Maybe this is my own sexism rearing its ugly head, but I did not enjoy reading about a boy as much as I enjoyed reading the girl stories. I know its the point of the story, but I really felt like he was just TOO good. I put up with the same kind of irritating perfection from Sara Crewe in "A Little Princess," but for some reason it grated on me more here. Something about the way he always calls his mother "Dearest." Maybe it's the modern "Mommy Dearest" reference.
2. I did not care for the way Burnett wrote the American dialect. I don't usually have trouble getting a voice to speak clearly in my head, but I couldn't get my mind wrapped around this one. It kept feeling more British to me than New York. Perhaps those are my own limitations, but for me it was ultimately a distraction from the narrative.
1. Maybe this is my own sexism rearing its ugly head, but I did not enjoy reading about a boy as much as I enjoyed reading the girl stories. I know its the point of the story, but I really felt like he was just TOO good. I put up with the same kind of irritating perfection from Sara Crewe in "A Little Princess," but for some reason it grated on me more here. Something about the way he always calls his mother "Dearest." Maybe it's the modern "Mommy Dearest" reference.
2. I did not care for the way Burnett wrote the American dialect. I don't usually have trouble getting a voice to speak clearly in my head, but I couldn't get my mind wrapped around this one. It kept feeling more British to me than New York. Perhaps those are my own limitations, but for me it was ultimately a distraction from the narrative.
January 27, 2018
I read this for a reading challenge. I was alternately feeling charmed and then revolted by this child. A large part of me felt I would instantly dislike such a paragon. But for my sins, I am a Primary School teacher and I must admit, you do occasionally get the most gorgeous and angelic child come through the system, so I cant say it’s impossible!
February 14, 2020
I'm pretty certain that I can't do justice to this book. My attempt at a review is sure to be blithely.
So how about using these words to get my thoughts across: Wonderful. Superb. Exemplary. Entirely lovely. Fond literary moments. Impeccable characters (that you truly adore and really wish you could meet in real life; like warm-hearted little Ceddie ... and his noble, forgiving mother ... the grocery man Mr Hobbs... and even the grumpy old Earl is likable before he has a turn of heart!) Pages full of ooey gooey kindheartedness and sweetness. A story-line that quickly captures your heart and startles you with it's abrupt plot twist.
But now you're thinking, "This isn't blithely. This is over the top." But it's really not. It's just really hard to write a well-deserving, believable review. And what I'm telling you is the whole truth and nothing but.
Ages: 6+
Cleanliness:
Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 2 Incidents: pooh
Scatological Terms - 1 Incident: bl**dy (in reference to Bl**dy Mary)
Religious Profanity - 1 Incident: mercy knows
Religious & Supernatural - None
Violence - 1 Incident: A sailor mentions a brief story about bloodthirsty cannibals.
Attitudes/Disobedience - None
Conversation Topics - 2 Incidents: A man smokes a pipe. Wine is mentioned.
Romance Related - 2 Incidents: The word "breast" is used two times, indicating "chest." A wicked woman leaves her husband and takes the child.
Parent Takeaway
An incredibly well mannered boy is able to win over his grandfather's heart through his love, kindness and generosity towards others.A great book to show the best of character!
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
So how about using these words to get my thoughts across: Wonderful. Superb. Exemplary. Entirely lovely. Fond literary moments. Impeccable characters (that you truly adore and really wish you could meet in real life; like warm-hearted little Ceddie ... and his noble, forgiving mother ... the grocery man Mr Hobbs... and even the grumpy old Earl is likable before he has a turn of heart!) Pages full of ooey gooey kindheartedness and sweetness. A story-line that quickly captures your heart and startles you with it's abrupt plot twist.
But now you're thinking, "This isn't blithely. This is over the top." But it's really not. It's just really hard to write a well-deserving, believable review. And what I'm telling you is the whole truth and nothing but.
Ages: 6+
Cleanliness:
Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities & Substitutions - 2 Incidents: pooh
Scatological Terms - 1 Incident: bl**dy (in reference to Bl**dy Mary)
Religious Profanity - 1 Incident: mercy knows
Religious & Supernatural - None
Violence - 1 Incident: A sailor mentions a brief story about bloodthirsty cannibals.
Attitudes/Disobedience - None
Conversation Topics - 2 Incidents: A man smokes a pipe. Wine is mentioned.
Romance Related - 2 Incidents: The word "breast" is used two times, indicating "chest." A wicked woman leaves her husband and takes the child.
Parent Takeaway
An incredibly well mannered boy is able to win over his grandfather's heart through his love, kindness and generosity towards others.A great book to show the best of character!
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
August 8, 2024
5+ stars & 8/10 hearts. Oh, how I love this book. <33 It is just so sweet and wholesome and humorous and beautiful. Little Lord Fauntleroy is an absolute sweetheart, and he is NOT too good to be true--I'd love to have a child like him, and I think I could, if I were as careful and loving as Mrs. Errol. (She is another sweetheart. She's just amazing.) I love the Earl--you can't help loving the poor old man. And Mr. Havisham is really nice too, and Dick! And Mr. Hobbs and the servants are so funny. The message of the story is very subtle but soooo good. It's an amazing story for ALL ages and I recommend it so highly! <33
A Favourite Quote: "His greatest charm was this cheerful, fearless, quaint little way of making friends with people. I think it arose from his having a very confiding nature, and a kind little heart that sympathized with every one, and wished to make every one as comfortable as he liked to be himself. It made him very quick to understand the feelings of those about him. Perhaps this had grown on him, too, because he had lived so much with his father and mother, who were always loving and considerate and tender and well-bred. He had never heard an unkind or uncourteous word spoken at home; he had always been loved and caressed and treated tenderly, and so his childish soul was full of kindness and innocent warm feeling.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "The entrance gate and the stone lions and the avenue impressed Mr. Hobbs somewhat at the beginning, and when he saw the Castle, and the flower-gardens, and the hot-houses, and the terraces, and the peacocks, and the dungeon, and the armor, and the great staircase, and the stables, and the liveried servants, he really was quite bewildered. But it was the picture gallery which seemed to be the finishing stroke. “Somethin’ in the manner of a museum?” he said to Fauntleroy, when he was led into the great, beautiful room.
“N—no—!” said Fauntleroy, rather doubtfully. “I don’t THINK it’s a museum. My grandfather says these are my ancestors.”
“Your aunt’s sisters!” ejaculated Mr. Hobbs. “ALL of ‘em? Your great-uncle, he MUST have had a family! Did he raise ‘em all?” And he sank into a seat and looked around him with quite an agitated countenance, until with the greatest difficulty Lord Fauntleroy managed to explain that the walls were not lined entirely with the portraits of the progeny of his great-uncle.”
A Favourite Quote: "His greatest charm was this cheerful, fearless, quaint little way of making friends with people. I think it arose from his having a very confiding nature, and a kind little heart that sympathized with every one, and wished to make every one as comfortable as he liked to be himself. It made him very quick to understand the feelings of those about him. Perhaps this had grown on him, too, because he had lived so much with his father and mother, who were always loving and considerate and tender and well-bred. He had never heard an unkind or uncourteous word spoken at home; he had always been loved and caressed and treated tenderly, and so his childish soul was full of kindness and innocent warm feeling.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: "The entrance gate and the stone lions and the avenue impressed Mr. Hobbs somewhat at the beginning, and when he saw the Castle, and the flower-gardens, and the hot-houses, and the terraces, and the peacocks, and the dungeon, and the armor, and the great staircase, and the stables, and the liveried servants, he really was quite bewildered. But it was the picture gallery which seemed to be the finishing stroke. “Somethin’ in the manner of a museum?” he said to Fauntleroy, when he was led into the great, beautiful room.
“N—no—!” said Fauntleroy, rather doubtfully. “I don’t THINK it’s a museum. My grandfather says these are my ancestors.”
“Your aunt’s sisters!” ejaculated Mr. Hobbs. “ALL of ‘em? Your great-uncle, he MUST have had a family! Did he raise ‘em all?” And he sank into a seat and looked around him with quite an agitated countenance, until with the greatest difficulty Lord Fauntleroy managed to explain that the walls were not lined entirely with the portraits of the progeny of his great-uncle.”
June 5, 2019
Read the full review at Elgee Writes
This rags to riches children classics revolves around Cedric and his family. His mother and the seven year old Cedric are one of those nice, kind and goody good people who barely make their ends meet in New York City. He is found to the inheritor to earldom in England and his newly found grandfather invites them back home. The grumpy, stubborn Earl already dislikes them even before he meets them.
How the charming boy turns the misanthropic grandfather around forms the rest of the story. I read Little Lord Fauntleroy as a part of the children’s classics challenge and surprisingly have never read it before.
It is always difficult to review a children’s book given that we are not the target audience. Despite that, I enjoyed this book and it would still be suitable for kids even in the current age.
Final thought: Clean and charming children’s tale
Recommended to: Children of 4-7 years old.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |
This rags to riches children classics revolves around Cedric and his family. His mother and the seven year old Cedric are one of those nice, kind and goody good people who barely make their ends meet in New York City. He is found to the inheritor to earldom in England and his newly found grandfather invites them back home. The grumpy, stubborn Earl already dislikes them even before he meets them.
How the charming boy turns the misanthropic grandfather around forms the rest of the story. I read Little Lord Fauntleroy as a part of the children’s classics challenge and surprisingly have never read it before.
It is always difficult to review a children’s book given that we are not the target audience. Despite that, I enjoyed this book and it would still be suitable for kids even in the current age.
Final thought: Clean and charming children’s tale
Recommended to: Children of 4-7 years old.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon |
November 20, 2020
Cerdic reminds me of Sara in The Little princess, which isn't surprising as it's by the same authors. However the super kind never misbehaving kind of kid didn't work as good in this. He didn't seem to be a real kid, an literal angel perhaps? But overall the story was well written and a good one. But just to sickenly sweet
December 27, 2021
4.5 Sterne für den Weihnachtsklassiker
Der kleine Cedric wächst zusammen mit seiner Mutter in ärmlichen Verhältnissen in Amerika auf. Sein Vater ist Engländer und vor einigen Jahren verstorben. Kontakt zur Familie aus England gibt es keinen, denn der Großvater hat einen unbändigen Hass auf die beiden, die ihm seinen jüngsten Sohn "weggenommen" haben.
Der Großvater ist ein Graf, sehr reich und besitzt viele Ländereien in England. Von seinen drei Söhnen war ihm der jüngste am liebsten, weswegen er besonderen Groll gegen dessen angeheiratete Frau hebt, die für ihn nur auf das Geld aus war.
Seine beiden älteren Söhne kann er nicht ausstehen. Für ihn sind sie unfähig und eine einzige Enttäuschung. Dass er selbst der Grund dafür sein könnte, kommt ihm aber nicht in den Sinn. Dabei weiß er sehr genau, dass ihm keine Menschen nahestehen und die Liebe in seinem Leben keinen Platz hat.
Er ist ein störrischer, egoistischer und geiziger Mensch, der nichts umsonst gibt und mit seinem Gebaren vor allem Angst und Unmut verbreitet.
Als jedoch seine beiden älteren Söhne auch sterben und keinen Erben hinterlassen, bleibt ihm nichts anderes übrig, als nach seinem Enkel zu schicken, den kleinen Cedric in Amerika, den er für einen unerzogenen, frechen Bengel hält.
Cedric wird hier sehr oft als schön und anmutig beschrieben. Natürlich der Zeit geschuldet, in dem das Buch geschrieben wurde, dennoch zieht sich für mich das Bild von "schönen Menschen" ein bisschen zu sehr durch die Geschichte, in der diese die "guten" sind.
Auch der Stolz des Großvaters auf diesen "schönen, wohlerzogenen" Jungen, den er herumzeigen kann, mir nicht und das er etwas bieten muss, sozusagen, um das Wohlgefallen zu erringen.
Die Menschen wussten, welche Enttäuschungen ihm seine Söhne bereitet hatten, und so gewährte es ihm nun ein gewisses Triumpfgefühl, diesen neuen Lord Fauntleroy herauszustellen, der niemanden enttäuschen konnte.
Zitat Seite 161
Natürlich ein Charakterzug des Grafen, der sich noch ändern wird. Trotzdem wurde ich bis zum Schluss das Gefühl nicht los, dass diese Erwartungen in der Liebe dazugehören. Gerade in der Familie aber haben Erwartungen nichts zu suchen - man muss den Eltern oder Großeltern nichts "bieten", um geliebt zu werden, das sollte ja gerade der Ort und die Menschen sein, die einen bedingungslos annehmen.
Die guten Manieren würde ich hier schlicht mit Respekt und Höflichkeit übersetzen, die ja leider in der heutigen Zeit sehr zu wünschen übrig lassen. Da gibts wirklich einige schöne Wohlfühlmomente wenn man sieht, wie leicht es fallen könnte, mit kleinen Gesten etwas wunderschönes zu bewirken.
Dennoch, gerade mit seiner blauäugigen, naiven Art, seiner herzlichen ehrlichen Freundlichkeit, bewegt Cedric die Herzen von allen, die ihm begegnen. Vor allem auch sein Bestreben, anderen gutes zu tun und weniger an sich selbst zu denken. Das öffnet schließlich auch das Herz des Großvaters der erkennt, wie schön diese ungezwungene und natürlich Freundlichkeit ist.
Auch die Arglosigkeit, mit der Cedric dem allseits gefürchteten alten Grafen begegnet ist ein wichtiger Punkt. Cedric weiß nichts von seinen schlechten Eigenschaften und sieht in ihm das Gute, glaubt an das Gute in ihm und genau das löst dann die Veränderungen im Großvater aus.
Der Glaube versetzt Berge heißt es - wenn ich anderen Menschen mit Misstrauen begegne und ihnen das Gefühl gebe, dass sie "nicht gut" sind, werde ich sicher keinen positiven Einfluss auf sie haben. Wenn ich ihnen jedoch so begegne, wie sie sein könnten, ohne Gram, ohne Angst, ohne Hass, dann werde ich sie natürlich nicht ändern, aber vielleicht eine kleine Änderung bewirken.
Cedrics Mutter hat ebenfalls eine sehr wichtige Rolle, denn sie hat an Cedric all die guten Eigenschaften und Werte weitergegeben. Sie akzeptiert die Ablehnung des Grafen und hält sich zurück, um ihrem Sohn einen ungezwungenen Umgang mit seinem Großvater zu ermöglichen. Sie hat ein gütiges Herz und will nur das Beste für ihren Sohn.
"... sei immer tapfer und gütig und aufrichtig, dann wirst du niemandem weh tun, und die Welt wird vielleicht durch dich besser werden. Und das ist das Wichtigste, Ceddie - wichtiger als alles andere: dass die Welt ein bisschen besser wird, weil ein Mensch gelebt hat."
Zitat Seite 144
Und, ebenfalls eine schöne Botschaft: es ist nie zu spät, um etwas zu verändern. Selbst der alte Graf, der sein Leben lang in seinem lieblosen Bitterkeit geschwelgt hat, ist dazu fähig, dazu zu lernen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte wirklich sehr gerne! Sie berührt, geht zu Herzen und hat viele wirklich wichtige Botschaften, die scheinbar jeder weiß, aber leider so oft nicht umgesetzt werden!
Der Schreibstil ist schön zu lesen und wirkt nicht so antiquiert wie anderes aus der Zeit, was vielleicht auch an der Übersetzung liegt ... kurzweilig und immer unterhaltsam.
Etwas überraschend war das Ende, dass in den Filmen ja immer am Weihnachtstag stattfindet, hier der 8. Geburtstag von Cedric war. Jedenfalls ein gelungener Schluss, nachdem es nochmal eine kleine spannende Aufregung gab.
Weltenwanderer
Der kleine Cedric wächst zusammen mit seiner Mutter in ärmlichen Verhältnissen in Amerika auf. Sein Vater ist Engländer und vor einigen Jahren verstorben. Kontakt zur Familie aus England gibt es keinen, denn der Großvater hat einen unbändigen Hass auf die beiden, die ihm seinen jüngsten Sohn "weggenommen" haben.
Der Großvater ist ein Graf, sehr reich und besitzt viele Ländereien in England. Von seinen drei Söhnen war ihm der jüngste am liebsten, weswegen er besonderen Groll gegen dessen angeheiratete Frau hebt, die für ihn nur auf das Geld aus war.
Seine beiden älteren Söhne kann er nicht ausstehen. Für ihn sind sie unfähig und eine einzige Enttäuschung. Dass er selbst der Grund dafür sein könnte, kommt ihm aber nicht in den Sinn. Dabei weiß er sehr genau, dass ihm keine Menschen nahestehen und die Liebe in seinem Leben keinen Platz hat.
Er ist ein störrischer, egoistischer und geiziger Mensch, der nichts umsonst gibt und mit seinem Gebaren vor allem Angst und Unmut verbreitet.
Als jedoch seine beiden älteren Söhne auch sterben und keinen Erben hinterlassen, bleibt ihm nichts anderes übrig, als nach seinem Enkel zu schicken, den kleinen Cedric in Amerika, den er für einen unerzogenen, frechen Bengel hält.
Cedric wird hier sehr oft als schön und anmutig beschrieben. Natürlich der Zeit geschuldet, in dem das Buch geschrieben wurde, dennoch zieht sich für mich das Bild von "schönen Menschen" ein bisschen zu sehr durch die Geschichte, in der diese die "guten" sind.
Auch der Stolz des Großvaters auf diesen "schönen, wohlerzogenen" Jungen, den er herumzeigen kann, mir nicht und das er etwas bieten muss, sozusagen, um das Wohlgefallen zu erringen.
Die Menschen wussten, welche Enttäuschungen ihm seine Söhne bereitet hatten, und so gewährte es ihm nun ein gewisses Triumpfgefühl, diesen neuen Lord Fauntleroy herauszustellen, der niemanden enttäuschen konnte.
Zitat Seite 161
Natürlich ein Charakterzug des Grafen, der sich noch ändern wird. Trotzdem wurde ich bis zum Schluss das Gefühl nicht los, dass diese Erwartungen in der Liebe dazugehören. Gerade in der Familie aber haben Erwartungen nichts zu suchen - man muss den Eltern oder Großeltern nichts "bieten", um geliebt zu werden, das sollte ja gerade der Ort und die Menschen sein, die einen bedingungslos annehmen.
Die guten Manieren würde ich hier schlicht mit Respekt und Höflichkeit übersetzen, die ja leider in der heutigen Zeit sehr zu wünschen übrig lassen. Da gibts wirklich einige schöne Wohlfühlmomente wenn man sieht, wie leicht es fallen könnte, mit kleinen Gesten etwas wunderschönes zu bewirken.
Dennoch, gerade mit seiner blauäugigen, naiven Art, seiner herzlichen ehrlichen Freundlichkeit, bewegt Cedric die Herzen von allen, die ihm begegnen. Vor allem auch sein Bestreben, anderen gutes zu tun und weniger an sich selbst zu denken. Das öffnet schließlich auch das Herz des Großvaters der erkennt, wie schön diese ungezwungene und natürlich Freundlichkeit ist.
Auch die Arglosigkeit, mit der Cedric dem allseits gefürchteten alten Grafen begegnet ist ein wichtiger Punkt. Cedric weiß nichts von seinen schlechten Eigenschaften und sieht in ihm das Gute, glaubt an das Gute in ihm und genau das löst dann die Veränderungen im Großvater aus.
Der Glaube versetzt Berge heißt es - wenn ich anderen Menschen mit Misstrauen begegne und ihnen das Gefühl gebe, dass sie "nicht gut" sind, werde ich sicher keinen positiven Einfluss auf sie haben. Wenn ich ihnen jedoch so begegne, wie sie sein könnten, ohne Gram, ohne Angst, ohne Hass, dann werde ich sie natürlich nicht ändern, aber vielleicht eine kleine Änderung bewirken.
Cedrics Mutter hat ebenfalls eine sehr wichtige Rolle, denn sie hat an Cedric all die guten Eigenschaften und Werte weitergegeben. Sie akzeptiert die Ablehnung des Grafen und hält sich zurück, um ihrem Sohn einen ungezwungenen Umgang mit seinem Großvater zu ermöglichen. Sie hat ein gütiges Herz und will nur das Beste für ihren Sohn.
"... sei immer tapfer und gütig und aufrichtig, dann wirst du niemandem weh tun, und die Welt wird vielleicht durch dich besser werden. Und das ist das Wichtigste, Ceddie - wichtiger als alles andere: dass die Welt ein bisschen besser wird, weil ein Mensch gelebt hat."
Zitat Seite 144
Und, ebenfalls eine schöne Botschaft: es ist nie zu spät, um etwas zu verändern. Selbst der alte Graf, der sein Leben lang in seinem lieblosen Bitterkeit geschwelgt hat, ist dazu fähig, dazu zu lernen.
Ich mochte die Geschichte wirklich sehr gerne! Sie berührt, geht zu Herzen und hat viele wirklich wichtige Botschaften, die scheinbar jeder weiß, aber leider so oft nicht umgesetzt werden!
Der Schreibstil ist schön zu lesen und wirkt nicht so antiquiert wie anderes aus der Zeit, was vielleicht auch an der Übersetzung liegt ... kurzweilig und immer unterhaltsam.
Etwas überraschend war das Ende, dass in den Filmen ja immer am Weihnachtstag stattfindet, hier der 8. Geburtstag von Cedric war. Jedenfalls ein gelungener Schluss, nachdem es nochmal eine kleine spannende Aufregung gab.
Weltenwanderer
September 29, 2022
Rated as pre-teen (1970's) me when I adored this book and read it over and over again.
Not sure it would hold up to re-reading as an adult and I'll probably never know as I prefer to keep my glowing recollection intact.
Not sure it would hold up to re-reading as an adult and I'll probably never know as I prefer to keep my glowing recollection intact.
July 5, 2024
“But only be good, dear, only be brave, only be kind and true always, and then you will never hurt any one, so long as you live, and you may help many, and the big world may be better because my little child was born. It is better than everything else, that the world should be a little better because a man has lived ” 📚☕
I’ve read Burnett’s other works but had absolutely no idea what this book was about. I only knew that the long hair and knicker outfits the little boy wore in this book (and play) became insanely popular when Burnett wrote the book (and screenplay) in 1885.
I honestly didn’t expect much from the plot, though. What was I thinking? Of course, it was amazing.
I was hooked into the story from the start and held on until the end.
What captivated me?
This unique little boy whose kindness and innocence blessed everyone around him - no matter how hard their heart was.
To me, the plot was a mashup of Pollyanna and A Christmas Carol. You’ll understand when you read it!
Bonus points for the patriotic-America love throughout!
I’m stingy with my 5-Star rating, but…
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟
There will be an in-depth review of this book (and other reviews & recs) in a June reading wrap up on my ‘Clean Reads’ YouTube channel. 💙
I’ve read Burnett’s other works but had absolutely no idea what this book was about. I only knew that the long hair and knicker outfits the little boy wore in this book (and play) became insanely popular when Burnett wrote the book (and screenplay) in 1885.
I honestly didn’t expect much from the plot, though. What was I thinking? Of course, it was amazing.
I was hooked into the story from the start and held on until the end.
What captivated me?
This unique little boy whose kindness and innocence blessed everyone around him - no matter how hard their heart was.
To me, the plot was a mashup of Pollyanna and A Christmas Carol. You’ll understand when you read it!
Bonus points for the patriotic-America love throughout!
I’m stingy with my 5-Star rating, but…
MY RATING 🌟🌟🌟🌟
There will be an in-depth review of this book (and other reviews & recs) in a June reading wrap up on my ‘Clean Reads’ YouTube channel. 💙
August 24, 2015
A classic story in which the good wins in the end. Ah, how predictable! And I'm usually against predictable plots -- I typically don't even finish the book when the plot becomes so predictable (and this happens quite often, unfortunately).
Then why 5 stars? Because I remember I enjoyed it as a child. I think small children enjoy predictability as well as surprises. Or perhaps it's not so predictable for them. I really wanted Cedric to prevail. I really wanted his grandfather, who I could see was a good person despite his stubbornness, to make peace with his mother. The story successfully engaged me and won my support.
Rating and reviewing children's books has an innate problem. We are not the targeted audience anymore. And I strongly believe we want to give kids the books that they truly enjoy, rather than books we think are good for them. We can introduce "good" books to them to see how they respond, but ultimately, their preference matters more.
So if your child doesn't like this, or any book, don't force them to like it. Like dating, there is an issue of chemistry. On the other hand, don't write this off because it's old. Your kid might enjoy it.
. . . I consulted my inner child and she says yes to this book.
Then why 5 stars? Because I remember I enjoyed it as a child. I think small children enjoy predictability as well as surprises. Or perhaps it's not so predictable for them. I really wanted Cedric to prevail. I really wanted his grandfather, who I could see was a good person despite his stubbornness, to make peace with his mother. The story successfully engaged me and won my support.
Rating and reviewing children's books has an innate problem. We are not the targeted audience anymore. And I strongly believe we want to give kids the books that they truly enjoy, rather than books we think are good for them. We can introduce "good" books to them to see how they respond, but ultimately, their preference matters more.
So if your child doesn't like this, or any book, don't force them to like it. Like dating, there is an issue of chemistry. On the other hand, don't write this off because it's old. Your kid might enjoy it.
. . . I consulted my inner child and she says yes to this book.
January 16, 2021
Per me non è Natale se non vedo Il piccolo Lord (e non solo ^.*).
Adoro questo film (intendo la versione con Alec Guinness) e devo dire che, per una volta, è stato tratto quasi fedelmente dal libro.
La versione libresca di Ceddie è un filino più stucchevole e il vecchio Conte è più malevolo; l’atmosfera buonista ben si adatta a questo periodo dell’anno.
Adoro questo film (intendo la versione con Alec Guinness) e devo dire che, per una volta, è stato tratto quasi fedelmente dal libro.
La versione libresca di Ceddie è un filino più stucchevole e il vecchio Conte è più malevolo; l’atmosfera buonista ben si adatta a questo periodo dell’anno.
January 29, 2026
2nd Reading 2026
This beloved tale of Little Lord Fauntleroy has more depth to it than I initially recognized. I asked myself why is it that I see it in Christmas book compilations or that the movie has become a Christmas classic being broadcast in Germany every year?
With these questions in mind I began my reading, and it wasn’t long before the pieces fell into place. The clues are on almost every page, especially in the beginning. Little Lord Fauntleroy is a Christ figure.
Frances Hodgson Burnett created a Christian fairy tale. She did a fine job doing so, otherwise the popularity wouldn't be there. But she also took quite some risk creating a character like Fauntleroy. We don't know what the hidden years of Jesus's life looked like. Most Christ figures in literature are adults, and not nearly as closely modeled to the actual Jesus. Christ figures such as Aragorn of The Lord of the Rings or Alyosha of The Brothers Karamazov, strongly embody Christian ideals, but their lives do not mirror Jesus's.
1st Reading 2017
Delightful.
There is always something endearing when a child with all his innocence penetrates the crusty hearts of the adults around him.
This beloved tale of Little Lord Fauntleroy has more depth to it than I initially recognized. I asked myself why is it that I see it in Christmas book compilations or that the movie has become a Christmas classic being broadcast in Germany every year?
With these questions in mind I began my reading, and it wasn’t long before the pieces fell into place. The clues are on almost every page, especially in the beginning. Little Lord Fauntleroy is a Christ figure.
Frances Hodgson Burnett created a Christian fairy tale. She did a fine job doing so, otherwise the popularity wouldn't be there. But she also took quite some risk creating a character like Fauntleroy. We don't know what the hidden years of Jesus's life looked like. Most Christ figures in literature are adults, and not nearly as closely modeled to the actual Jesus. Christ figures such as Aragorn of The Lord of the Rings or Alyosha of The Brothers Karamazov, strongly embody Christian ideals, but their lives do not mirror Jesus's.
1st Reading 2017
Delightful.
There is always something endearing when a child with all his innocence penetrates the crusty hearts of the adults around him.
February 21, 2022
Although with moralistic overtones, this is a delightful and sentimental story about the virtues of innocence, trust, friendship, generosity, selflessness, and love. Young Cedric, who is seven/eight, experiences wonderment and awe in the people he meets both in his poor working class neighborhood in New York in America and in his posh surroundings in England where he and his mother move when they are surprisingly informed that he is next to inherit the manor and noble title of Earl of Dorincourt from his disgruntled Grandfather, whose three sons, including Cedric's father, have died. He is now Lord Fauntleroy, to be trained in the ways of nobility but is separated from his "Dearest" mother who is provided a nearby cottage where she and her son can visit, but Cedric is to reside at the manor. The Earl dislikes America and will not meet or speak with her because she is the American widow of his youngest son. The Earl is not well liked by anyone in his household or community due to his cantankerous, bullying, denigrating manner, and ruthless power and fears his grandson will be unworthy of the inheritance - UNTIL he meets Cedric who is exceptionally compassionate, intelligent and faithful to social justice due to the teachings of his mother. Cedric's mother says to him:
"But only be good, dear, only be brave, only be kind and true always, and then you will never hurt any one, so long as you live, and you may help many, and the big world may be better because my little child was born.”
The Earl gradually softens his demeanor because of the innocent wisdom of the child. Then the inheritance is contested and Cedric may not be the heir after all.
I enjoyed Burnett's writing style and her descriptive passages about Cedric's life in New York and then again in the beautiful natural surroundings in England.
Perhaps in today's world view Cedric seems too good, too beautiful, too virtuous, and too well liked by everyone he meets no matter what their status, and in fact the term used today that someone is a "little lord fauntleroy" has in some cases become a derogatory insult meaning pampered, snob-like, or vain - probably derived more from the movie versions of the book rather than the book itself. But the virtues of generosity, compassion for others, and selflessness resound; and justice is rewarded.
"But only be good, dear, only be brave, only be kind and true always, and then you will never hurt any one, so long as you live, and you may help many, and the big world may be better because my little child was born.”
The Earl gradually softens his demeanor because of the innocent wisdom of the child. Then the inheritance is contested and Cedric may not be the heir after all.
I enjoyed Burnett's writing style and her descriptive passages about Cedric's life in New York and then again in the beautiful natural surroundings in England.
Perhaps in today's world view Cedric seems too good, too beautiful, too virtuous, and too well liked by everyone he meets no matter what their status, and in fact the term used today that someone is a "little lord fauntleroy" has in some cases become a derogatory insult meaning pampered, snob-like, or vain - probably derived more from the movie versions of the book rather than the book itself. But the virtues of generosity, compassion for others, and selflessness resound; and justice is rewarded.
February 17, 2023
Premetto di non aver mai letto Piccolo Lord prima d'ora. E continuo a chiedermi perché.
Little Lord Fauntleroy, è questo il titolo originale dell'opera, è una storia per ragazzi che come spesso accade si presta ad essere letta in età adulta. Effettivamente non credo ci sia mai un limite di età prestabilito per la lettura di un libro.
Sono molte le tematiche affrontate in questa dolce storia. A fare da sfondo sono le spiccate tendenze verso una spiritualità e moralità cristiana da parte dell'autrice, sulle quali si stagliano irrisolte questioni sociali.
Interessante è il ruolo del protagonista.
Cedric - poi divenuto Little Lord Fauntleroy - osserva la realtà che lo circonda attraverso gli occhi innocenti di un bambino molto dolce ma al tempo stesso intelligente e arguto tanto da riuscire nella grande sfida di ammorbidire il carattere burbero e ostile di suo nonno, il conte di Dorincourt.
E' attraverso di lui infatti che l'autrice riesce a delineare una visione, piuttosto idealistica, ma alla quale sicuramente è possibile ispirarsi per dare vita in un futuro prossimo ad una società migliore. Una società quella di fine Ottocento che risentiva in maniera ancora molto forte della divisione tra classi, retaggio del secolo precedente, e delle sempre più profonde divergenze culturali tra Americani e Inglesi. Ma è grazie, sembra voler dirci l'autrice, alla carità cristiana, alla benevolenza e allo spirito di filantropia che alcune serie problematiche sociali riescono a risolversi o quanto meno a migliorare. Forse un obiettivo poco realistico ma di certo auspicabile.
Little Lord Fauntleroy, è questo il titolo originale dell'opera, è una storia per ragazzi che come spesso accade si presta ad essere letta in età adulta. Effettivamente non credo ci sia mai un limite di età prestabilito per la lettura di un libro.
Sono molte le tematiche affrontate in questa dolce storia. A fare da sfondo sono le spiccate tendenze verso una spiritualità e moralità cristiana da parte dell'autrice, sulle quali si stagliano irrisolte questioni sociali.
Interessante è il ruolo del protagonista.
Cedric - poi divenuto Little Lord Fauntleroy - osserva la realtà che lo circonda attraverso gli occhi innocenti di un bambino molto dolce ma al tempo stesso intelligente e arguto tanto da riuscire nella grande sfida di ammorbidire il carattere burbero e ostile di suo nonno, il conte di Dorincourt.
E' attraverso di lui infatti che l'autrice riesce a delineare una visione, piuttosto idealistica, ma alla quale sicuramente è possibile ispirarsi per dare vita in un futuro prossimo ad una società migliore. Una società quella di fine Ottocento che risentiva in maniera ancora molto forte della divisione tra classi, retaggio del secolo precedente, e delle sempre più profonde divergenze culturali tra Americani e Inglesi. Ma è grazie, sembra voler dirci l'autrice, alla carità cristiana, alla benevolenza e allo spirito di filantropia che alcune serie problematiche sociali riescono a risolversi o quanto meno a migliorare. Forse un obiettivo poco realistico ma di certo auspicabile.
March 22, 2023
Well, this was an unexpected pleasure! I picked up the audio version through Libby because Little Lord Fauntleroy is a small but crucial part in the storyline of Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson. When I heard that the narrator was Nadia May, I decided I might as well keep listening for a while. And then I was hooked! Cedric is 'little Lord Fauntleroy' and he is charming! I was as charmed by him as his curmudgeonly old grandfather is. I've seen reviews that say Cedric is a goody-goody. He undoubtedly is, but I don't care. I was also a goody-goody child, so I have an affection for them. Cedric is still only seven...he has plenty of time for mischief in his teenage years. ;)
I love Cedric's grown up friends Dick and Mr. Hobbs. I love the cultural differences between America and England and how cleverly the differences are explored through Mr. Haversham's perspective in the early part of the novel and through Cedric and Mr. Hobbs' later in the novel. I love how the Earl is a complex character. He has a past worth regretting, but he also changes believably the more time he spends loving and being loved. It's touching! There is a cheerfulness and optimism to the novel that I found perfect for spring. Cedric's spirit is as blithe as his curls are golden and his little cheeks are rosy red.
I think this would be a perfect read aloud for certain kinds of children. I definitely don't think it's a book to suit every child, but I could see two young girls of my acquaintance loving it.
I love Cedric's grown up friends Dick and Mr. Hobbs. I love the cultural differences between America and England and how cleverly the differences are explored through Mr. Haversham's perspective in the early part of the novel and through Cedric and Mr. Hobbs' later in the novel. I love how the Earl is a complex character. He has a past worth regretting, but he also changes believably the more time he spends loving and being loved. It's touching! There is a cheerfulness and optimism to the novel that I found perfect for spring. Cedric's spirit is as blithe as his curls are golden and his little cheeks are rosy red.
I think this would be a perfect read aloud for certain kinds of children. I definitely don't think it's a book to suit every child, but I could see two young girls of my acquaintance loving it.
January 3, 2022
Un romanzo che profuma di gentilezza, di amore, di altruismo e nobiltà d'animo.
Ho guardato più di una volta il film da bambina, era un classico del periodo natalizio, infatti la scena più vivida nella mia mente è un enorme albero di Natale e sotto quell'abete elegantemente decorato si svolgeva la scena più bella e commovente del film.
Una lettura educativa per grandi e piccini perché anche il romanzo, come il film, lascia un bellissimo messaggio di speranza, una bella morale: con un cuore puro e sincero si possono influenzare e cambiare anche le persone più burbere e ostili. Consigliato.
Ho guardato più di una volta il film da bambina, era un classico del periodo natalizio, infatti la scena più vivida nella mia mente è un enorme albero di Natale e sotto quell'abete elegantemente decorato si svolgeva la scena più bella e commovente del film.
Una lettura educativa per grandi e piccini perché anche il romanzo, come il film, lascia un bellissimo messaggio di speranza, una bella morale: con un cuore puro e sincero si possono influenzare e cambiare anche le persone più burbere e ostili. Consigliato.
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